Surrogacy Law Varies State to State
Surrogacy law differs from state to state and the prerequisite to choosing the appropriate agency to handle your surrogacy is a comprehensive understanding of those laws. Here is a great link to all state laws.
Even after Marriage Equality; Surrogacy Law Varies State to State
Ask questions! You cannot have too much information when you are considering an agency to assist you with surrogacy. Your questions should include:
- How many gay couples have you worked with?
- Have you ever had a surrogacy agreement challenged?
- Are your fee estimates in line with actual costs?
- Do you medically and psychologically screen surrogates before matching them with intended parents?
- Is insurance coverage for the carrier part of the arrangement?
More gay couples, mostly male couples, are choosing surrogacy to increase their families. It is a personal and powerful decision and, unfortunately, it’s availability to most is limited by the costs involved.
While there are a myriad of choices out there, my research has led me to a number of specific agencies agencies/people that have worked with gay couples successfully. The most comprehensive information, however, has been conducted by my organization, Men Having Babies. A newly revamped MenHavingBabies website has just launched with an invaluable directory of surrogacy and IVF providers. The site also allows intended parents who have used these agencies/providers the opportunity to rate them. The ratings section is very helpful for new parents on the journey. We are also the only organization that has drafted a Framework of Ethical Guidelines For Intended Parents, which is a one of a kind guide from which to measure your agency and help create a positive relationship with your surrogate mother. Finally, the Men Having Babies Facebook group offers a community sourced approach to personal questions throughout the process.
You can also read the personal blogs of a two male couples that traveled to India to have their children with the help of an Indian surrogate at: http://johnnyanddarren.blogspot.com/ and ouradventuretofatherhood.blogspot.com. Please keep in mind that Indian adoptions require the acquisition of a State Department issued statement of American citizenship called a “Consular Report of Birth.” For more information, please feel free to email me at Anthony@timeforfamilies.com.
If you have a surrogacy story, please share it with us.